SECTOR NEWS Incorporating CIRCUIT EXCHANGE

Wantage & Abingdon Circuit

CHILDREY

GROVE

WANTAGE

December 2107 January 2018

Minister : Rev Keith Underhill – Tel: 01235 763321 [email protected]

Should you need a Minister when Keith is not available, please talk to one of the Stewards listed below, who will put you in touch: Carolyn Roche : 01235 764310 Su Lockley : 01235 767048 Doug Legge : 01235 751463

Please send material for the Weekly Notices to :

Grove Jenny Marriott : 01235 767624

Wantage Gill & Gordon Skidmore : 01235 766655 / 07710 214601 email : [email protected]

Contributions for the February Newsletter18 should be sent to the editor by email, phone or in writing by Sunday 21st January 2018 to [email protected] Tel : 01235 766655 / 07710 214601 Editors : Gill & Gordon Skidmore

Regular Weekday Meetings

Monday 2 pm Handicraft Group at the Cornerstone, Grove Tuesday 2:15 pm Grove Tuesday Fellowship (in the church) Wednesday 7:30 am Morning Prayers at Grove 2 pm Wantage Wednesday Fellowship

House Group at Wantage Weekly Tuesday 1:30 pm Leader: Eileen Rennie (01235 224284)

House Group at Grove Monthly Warmed Hearts 8 pm Leader: Peter Hemmings (01235 762504)

Grove web site is found from www.wantab.org.uk Wantage web site www.wantagemethodist.org.uk

From the Manse...

One of my favourite Christmas stories is Leo Tolstoy’s, “Papa Panov”. If you know the story, you will recall how it centres on Papa Panov, an elderly shoe maker who dreams that Jesus tells him that he will come and visit him on Christmas Day, so he should keep alert and keep an eye open for him.

Naturally Papa Panov is very excited about this prospect and all through Christmas Day, he keeps looking up and down the street to see if Jesus is coming. As the day passes and Papa Panov keeps his vigil, he doesn’t see Jesus – but he does see and help the road sweeper, a beggar and a lady with a tiny baby. Papa Panov offers them food and hospitality, but always with one eye on what’s happening outside his shop, for he doesn’t want to miss Jesus.

Alone again at the end of the day – he is disappointed that Jesus hadn’t come after all – and that his hopes had been dashed. As he dreamt that night there comes a moment of realisation that Jesus had indeed come to him, but not as he expected – for he had come in the guise of the road sweeper, the beggar and the lady with a baby. In welcoming them and inviting those strangers into his home, he was in fact welcoming the Son of God himself.

I’m reminded of those words of the King in Matthew 25:40 (at the end of the parable about the sheep and the goats), where he proclaims “'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”

In all the excitement of this time of year, in all the celebrations and in all the rejoicing, may we keep our eyes open so that we might see the Christ child amongst us once more.

Not just in the places where we expect to see him, but also in the unexpected places as well. May we see Him In the faces of those we know but also and more importantly, in the faces of strangers who come our way.

As the Carol “Born in the night” reminds us; Hope of the world, Mary’s child, You’re coming soon to reign; King of the earth, Mary’s child, Walk in our streets again

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas

With love and God Bless,

Keith 3

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY Saturday 27th January Theme: The Power of Words

The 2018 focus is on the impact that words had in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, through propaganda used to incite, through slogans written in resistance, and through memoirs written to record and respond to what was going on. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the words that we see and hear all around us today – in newspapers, on social media, in conversations - the words that we choose to use - all have an impact upon us and those around us for good or ill. The chapel will be open from 10am to 6pm as a quiet space for reflection aided by leaflets and a display

Please drop in for a short while for some personal thought on this significant day.

Help with the arrangements and church sitting would be appreciated - please contact Pam Martin

[email protected] Tel: 764754

Write for Rights SEND A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Amnesty International leaflets giving details of how to send greetings cards to people whose human rights are being abused are now available from Pam Martin. This is a simple but effective way of encouraging those who feel forgotten by the rest of the world and may contribute to bringing about their release from prison or improving their circumstances. Cards may be sent any time up to the end of December.

Beryl Fudge, ex Circuit Mission Secretary and the wife of the late Alan Fudge who served the circuit as a Local Preacher, has written a booklet entitled “Love one another and look after Mum – a personal guide for dealing with the death of a loved one” with a foreword by Canon David Winter. Copies will be available in Church but if you would find it useful, you can purchase a copy for £2.99. Please contact your Stewards.

Circuit Exchange

Quarterly Newsletter of the

Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit

December 2017 – February 2018

Website

Our new website at ThenMedia is now live – see www.wantab.org.uk if you haven't done so already. The first aim is that people accessing the site from outside the circuit should find it welcoming and can easily navigate it and find out about our circuit and its churches. This was particularly important since we knew that presbyters in the stationing process would be trying to find out about us, and we included the future web address in our Circuit profile to enable them to find it easily. This aim was met, as we know that presbyters including Jocelyn Bennett looked at the site in early October (see a later article for more about Jocelyn.) The basics of the site seem to be working well. Each church has an entry on the “Churches” page, which link to an “online poster” with basic facts and picture(s), together with minister's contact details and information about the coming month's services. This all requires minimum maintenance, but this page can contain a link to a church's existing website, or a “site within a site” with the same look and feel, but with a church's own menu and pages for news items, photos, forthcoming events etcetera. There are user-friendly tools to enable people with minimal skills to update these pages, or material can be emailed to a Circuit Webmaster to be uploaded. A secondary aim is that people within the circuit can use it to find or disseminate information. The relaxed approach of ThenMedia to the contract means we can introduce changes and enhancements to the version of the site we now have, without extra cost. The Circuit calendar appears on the site, but with colour-coded entries for individual churches too; and behind the scenes, accessible to those who sign-in, will be the data currently held in the online Circuit Directory. Because of the laws on data privacy, we can only store contact details for those who clearly consent to this. Those whose details were in the existing online Directory have been asked for their consent, and some have responded! Anyone else who would like to share their email and/or phone details with others in the Circuit, especially those holding posts in the Churches, are encouraged to email [email protected] – details of how to sign-in will be circulated soon by email to all who have consented to share their email address. We hope that documents used by people across the Circuit can be stored centrally, so that everyone has access to the latest version without having to rummage through a mass of emails.

Circuit Stewards team

Carolyn Roche, from Wantage, has begun to ease herself into the role of Circuit Steward, and has taken a full part in the stationing process. This will continue as she finishes her term as Senior Steward at Wantage. However, Andrew is expecting to move away during 2018, and Mary Hancock is into “extra time” having agreed to extend her term until summer 2018, so we still need new blood to join the team. Our vision is of someone representing each of the larger churches – with a team of six, no-one's share would be unbearably large. The scope of the job may also be adjusted to suit the people who are available. Everyone who has been a Circuit Steward agrees that it is a fascinating and richly rewarding thing to do. Are you hearing a call? Please pray about this situation, and don’t assume someone more suitable will step forward! To find out more, talk to your minister or to one of the current team: Andrew Lockley (Senior) Mary Hancock Alan Smith Carolyn Roche

Stationing – seeking a replacement for Katherine

Whilst Rev. Katherine Pickering is still very much with us and making her mark in so many ways, she decided to move on next summer. The Circuit therefore entered the Stationing process, hoping to be matched with a Presbyter to replace Katherine next September. Since the last Circuit Exchange, the carefully-prepared profiles of 145 vacant appointments, and of 85 available ministers, were circulated. Each circuit “Invitiations Committee”, ours included, prepared a shortlist of ministers, and each minister a shortlist of circuits. The Stationing panel met in late October, and matched us with Rev. Jocelyn Bennett, currently working in the Hyde & Denton circuit. A visit was arranged, and Jocelyn and her husband Neil visited Milton, Great Western Park, Wallingford and Didcot on Saturday 18th November. After they set out for Manchester later that day, the committee discussed the match and unanimously agreed that we would invite her. Over the phone the following evening, she was pleased to accept. So next August, Jocelyn and Neil, and their teenage son Elliott, will move into the manse in Lydalls Road, to start work in our Circuit at the beginning of September. Meanwhile, Katherine and Ian visited the South-west Worcester circuit, and she in turn was invited there, and accepted, so she will take up her new appointment in charge of two churches in Worcester at the same time. Grateful thanks are due to all those who gave their time and effort in the three churches to make Jocelyn's visit a success. Rev. Helen Cameron, new Chair of the Northampton District, assures us that the approval of Conference is a formality, and joins us in celebrating all this good news!

Local Preachers’ update Frederick Obeng and Esther Woollgar were both warmly welcomed as fully accredited Local Preachers at an inspiring service on Sunday 19th November. Keith spoke of the common reaction to hearing a call from God, “Who am I?” and reminded us that God's call sometimes comes to those who are feel themselves unsuitable for the task! Daphne Savage, who arrived in Wallingford recently with long experience of preaching in the United Reformed Church, was also welcomed as a Methodist local preacher, and spoke warmly of the role played by those who welcome people across the threshold of a new church. A welcome was also extended to Andrew Dixon, a local preacher who joined us in the summer from Bristol, and who read one of the lessons. All four of these preachers will be taking appointments throughout the Circuit on the forthcoming plan.

Update on Community Chaplains at Great Western Park Sarah and Libby have now been based at Great Western Park for over 6 months and the time seems to have flown! They have made and are developing lots of connections in the area. Whilst continuing to wander the parks and alleys of Great Western Park, they are both very much welcomed by a number of people who live and work in the area. They regularly go into one of the local secondary schools to have lunch with students, give the occasional assembly at Stephen Freeman School, and support the work of the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and various Mums & Tots’ groups. They regularly meet with the Manager of The Station Pub; Salespeople at McCarthy & Stone - the local retirement home; the Manager of the corner shop; and Chair to the Residents’ Association. They bring concerns to Residents’ Association meetings, share in the fellowship at the Thursday morning Community Cafe, and are valued members of the wider community. In December, they are trialling a different use for the chaplaincy motorhome, Hope, by turning her into a mobile prayer space. They are delighted to have been invited by many of the groups with whom they have contacts to host some time out in the busyness of the run-up to Christmas. You're very welcome to go and check this out for yourself. They will be open at the following times... • Northern Community Centre @ Thursday 30th November, 10-11am • Outside Asda @ Wednesday 13th December, 6-7pm • Boundary Park @ Tuesday 19th December, 7-8pm • Outside Costa @ Wednesday 27th December, 1-2pm May they be assured of the prayers and encouragement of everyone in our churches as they seek to serve God in new and exciting ways. Please pray also for Katherine as she pioneers the extra role of line-managing the chaplains, and for the support group who help the team in so many ways.

Sale of Blewbury, Upton and Southmoor We have now received the proceeds of the sale of Upton. Blewbury will be on the market as soon as everyone formally agrees. The financial resources these sales provide will help us plan for the future, as challenged to do by the President and Vice-President.

Safeguarding – further training sessions and new procedures Over a hundred people have now attended the Refresher Course for Creating Safer Space; at least one further session will be needed. If you are aware that you or other post-holders in your church missed the sessions, please contact Keith Underhill who will be making the arrangements. New post-holders will need the full Creating Safer Space training which will be run as the need arises. We have been supplied with new versions of the safeguarding policies by the Connexion, and these will be distributed to those who need them in the coming weeks.

Message from the Editor of the Childrey , Grove & Wantage Sector Newsletter Please note that our deadline for material for the Sector Newsletter is normally the third Sunday in the month. It would help if notices being shared around the circuit could be received by this date each month, as they will then reach a wider public and ensure publication as this cannot be guaranteed in the weekly notices. Our email address is : [email protected]

CIRCUIT MEETINGS / EVENTS Tuesday 5 December, 8 pm at Wantage : Local Preachers' Meeting Thursday 7 December, 7:30 pm at Didcot : “Chaplaincy Everywhere” - Final session Wednesday 14 March, 7:30 pm at Milton : Circuit Meeting Wednesday 22 April, 4 pm at a venue tba : Circuit Service to include dedication of Easter offering Don't forget the Circuit Calendar, with these and other events, can now be viewed on the Circuit website at http://www.wantab.org.uk/calendar.html. Send items for inclusion to Andrew as below, at any time.

Circuit Exchange is here to link all parts of our Circuit together – let us know what’s happening at your church.

Items for March 2017 Circuit Exchange to [email protected] by 11th February 2018 please.

Wantage & Abingdon Methodist Circuit Churches are

All Saints (Abingdon), Childrey, Didcot, Grove, Milton, Peachcroft Christian Centre (Abingdon), Trinity (Abingdon), Wallingford, Wantage

An invitation to enjoy the colours of Christmas

The Letcombe Singers and the Caritas Children’s Choir will be presenting a programme of Christmas music (of all varieties!) and readings at Wantage Methodist Church on Friday 15 December and at Letcombe Village Hall on Tuesday 19 December, raising money for Christian Aid. The concerts will start at 7 pm as some of the children are as young as six. Both choirs will be performing on their own but – a world premiere! – there will be a couple of items specially scored to include both choirs together. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear young and old performing together! You don’t need to purchase tickets as a retiring collection will be taken, with net proceeds going to Christian Aid.

Caritas Children’s Choir Caritas was formed by Sheenagh Dernie in September 2016 to raise money for Christian Aid. They have performed a number of times in their short existence and have already gained a reputation for the excellence of their delivery. The exuberance of youth is combined with musical ability which is skilfully nurtured by Sheenagh.

The Letcombe Singers At the other end of the spectrum, the Letcombe Singers have been in existence since 1963. Seven of the members are people from Wantage Methodist Church. Jane Robinson and Gill Skidmore will be sharing the musical direction of the Christmas concert. The choir is loyal and caring and really enjoys making music together.

Wantage & Grove Church Partnership

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Our annual united service to mark this special week of prayer, that takes place from 18th – 25th January, will this year, be held on Sunday 21st January 2018.

As the planning meeting for this event will not take place until after this newsletter’s deadline, please make a note of the date, and we will let you know the timing and the venue as soon as they become available.

Wantage & Grove Food Bank

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Christmas Hamper food items appeal this year. At the time of writing the hampers have not been made up, but we know they will be hugely appreciated by those who receive them. So thank you for bringing some joy to individuals and families who are in need at this time. Thank you too for all the 'regular' food items that have been donated throughout the year. There are many individuals and families who would have gone hungry without the food parcels they receive. They are quite often embarrassed at the need to ask for help, but they are always reassured that they are deserving of the gift of food. We will continue to put out a list of required items. Sometimes there is enough stock in the small room that houses all the food items. Currently there really is no room at all for more baked beans and tuna!

Christian Aid

Can you think of someone you know, perhaps in your church, who would like to work for Christian Aid? We are recruiting a new Regional Coordinator to work with churches and supporters across Oxfordshire.

Regional Coordinators encourage and enable church leaders, church congregations, volunteers and Christian Aid groups to respond to poverty through supporting Christian Aid.

If you can think of just the right person to apply, please let them know about the opportunity by directing them to our website: https://jobs.christianaid.org.uk/vacancy/regional-coordinator-for-oxfordshire- 1524/1542/description/

Siobhan Grimes, Christian Aid, Oxford Office Coordinator 01865 246818

BBC Songs of Praise

This year's two Songs of Praise Big Sing Programmes will go out on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Cornerstone Coffee Shop

Come and buy your Christmas presents and cards from the Cornerstone. On Thursday 7th and Friday 15th December we are opening late, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, for Christmas shopping and hamper making. Hot drinks will be available. Please note the shop will only be open until 11 am on the following dates due to Christmas Lunches : Tuesday 28th November, Friday 1st, Monday 4th, Wednesday 6th, Tuesday 12th and Thursday 14th December Have a blessed Christmas. John Hogston, Cornerstone board member

Cornerstone Coffee Shop has

Volunteering Opportunities

Our busy café is looking for new volunteers to help on Saturdays and through the week. Are you a local Christian looking to support an important ministry in your area? Or a young person looking to enhance your CV and gain vital references? Maybe you have been out of work for some time and you are looking to ease back in gently?

Cornerstone’s Mission statement says we are a place where “all will be welcomed and valued for who they are, not for what they can do, and where God shall be glorified in our dealings with each other.” We do welcome everyone as customers and volunteers and we are regularly praised for our welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Many of our volunteers enjoy the time of fellowship with other local Christians and time to support and serve our customers.

We are looking for: Volunteer Cook to cover 1–2 Saturdays a month. 9.30am–2.30pm. Previous catering experience preferred. Food Hygiene Level 2 is essential, we can provide a link to an online course and refund the cost if necessary. Volunteer Counter Staff. You will be taking orders, making drinks, and taking food and drinks out to tables. You will need a good level of literacy, confidence in dealing with people, and the ability to prioritise tasks. The minimum age for this role is 16. Volunteer Utility Staff. You will be operating our commercial steriliser but also washing up by hand and clearing tables. The minimum age for this role is 14. Volunteer Till Staff. You will be helping customers in our book and card shop, operating the till, answering the phone, and taking book orders.

For all posts, full training is given and support is available at all times. You will be provided a drink and a break on every shift and if you work 12–2pm, you will be offered a lunch. Cornerstone is a Christian Café and Bookshop run by Four Churches in Grove: St John the Baptist Parish Church, Grove Free Evangelical, Grove Methodist and Vale Elim. It is a charity set up as a link between the churches and the community, providing refreshment physically and spiritually.

Contact Sarah or Esther: [email protected] or 01235 772280 17

Wantage & Grove Street Pastors

REPORT OF OUR OCTOBER 2017 ACTIVITIES

During October there were: • 2 Friday night patrols • 3 Saturday night patrols • 5 Patrols totalling 26 hours of cover involving 17 Street Pastors • 6 pairs of flip-flops given and 16 bottles of water • 300 lollies and Love Hearts

Here are some of the ways Street Pastors cared, listened and helped in October: • Cared for a vulnerable autistic lady while she waited to be collected • Helped to calm down two quarrelling men • Assisted those that were feeling ill, both male and female

A number of our teams cared for people who were unwell due to drinking too much alcohol. We provided water and wet-wipes and ensured that they had a means of getting home safely.

On one occasion we found a lady sitting on the ground waiting for a taxi. She was on her own and we felt it wise to stay with her until the taxi arrived. We were glad we did; her cousins arrived and gave her a lift home after letting us know that she suffers from autism and can be quite vulnerable.

One of our teams provided a calming influence to two men who were arguing and spoiling for a fight. Together with others standing by, we encouraged the men to keep calm. We are pleased to say that the situation didn’t escalate, and we ended our patrol without there being a fight.

Wantage & Grove Street Pastors is a partner in the Wantage & Grove Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP), in which numerous organisations work together to help reduce underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in Wantage and Grove. Our coordinator, Nigel Watt, was delighted to attend the Community Alcohol Partnerships 10 year anniversary celebration in London, and on behalf of the Wantage & Grove CAP, collect the CAP of the Year award. Well done everyone involved!

More news from wider Methodism

If you use email, you can sign-up to a number of newsletters, some more frequent than others, which will keep you up-to-date on other parts of the Connexion. Go to http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/sign-up-for-e-newsletters

Childrey

United Services: 10th December at 4:00 pm : Christingle Service at St Mary’s 17th December at 3:00 pm : Carol Service at St Mary’s January 21st at 11:30 am : Covenant Service January 28th at 11:30 am : United Service at St Mary’s

Christmas Coffee Morning & Sale in aid of NCH Action for Children 2nd December 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Prayers: Prayers are asked for Amy Rose Legge and her family, Sylvia Rowland, Keith & Leonora, David, Barbara, Shirley, Jean and all those unknown to us who are in need of our help. We also pray for the continued success of the “Open the Book” Project where the teachings and stories of the Bible are taken into the Ridgeway C of E School in Childrey on a weekly assembly basis by a dedicated band of leaders from local churches using our premises as a base. Christian Love to all.

Grove

We invite you to join us in our celebrations over the Christmas season. Our Carol Service is at 6:30 pm on Sunday, 17th December. Christmas Eve Service of Holy Communion is at 8:00 pm on 24th December. Christmas Morning worship is at 10:45 am on Christmas Day. We look forward to sharing in this special time with you.

You are invited to a Coffee morning on Saturday, 2nd December in the Meeting Room from 10 am till 12 noon. Kath and Jock Gourlay are our hosts. Proceeds from the morning will be given to the World Cancer Research Fund (Wantage Area). All welcome.

The first coffee morning of 2018 will be on Saturday, 6th January from 10 am to 12 noon in the Meeting Room, when Mark and Linda Sandels will be our hosts. Proceeds will be for Yotam’s ‘Replacement Truck Fund’.

Open House will meet on Monday, 4th December at 7:30 pm for a Christmas social evening at Maggie and Roger Betts’ home, “Downside”, East Hanney. There will be mulled wine (or non-alcoholic equivalent), other seasonal drinks and nibbles, music, poetry and maybe a fun, informal quiz. Please let Maggie (868286) or Lynda (771554) know if you hope to come so that we have an idea for catering and seating purposes! No Open House meeting is planned for January.

Tuesday Fellowship 5th December Libby Bolton – “Christmas” 12th December We visit Cornerstone, Grove for Christmas Lunch, 12:15 pm

2nd January To be announced 9th January Frances Blood – talk entitled “New Beginnings” 16th January Lizzie Hartley talking about vulnerable young adults in Romania 23rd January New Year party 30th January Tea and chat

Warmed Hearts group are studying a York Course in four independent sessions on time and waiting for God. Session one, “Go with haste”, is on Wednesday, 13th December at 8:00 pm at 8, Vicarage Close, Grove. Session two, “How long O Lord, how long?”, is on Wednesday, 17th January at 8:00 pm at 12 Rosebay Crescent, Grove. We enjoy a time of fellowship and discussion together and new faces are always welcome. We will be pleased to see you. Further information from Peter Hemmings on 01235 762504.

Film Club There is no meeting of the Film Club in December. The Film Club will next meet on Friday, 19th January at 7:30 pm. We will be showing “Beauty and the Beast”. 2017 musical version PG 129mins Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior allowing her to recognise the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. Stars: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans Admission is free. Tea /coffee and biscuits at the end of the film for a small donation. There is an email “alert” service for anyone who is interested in receiving an email reminder before each film, about a week beforehand. If you would like to be on the list to receive an “alert” message please would you let Su know, giving her your email address, at [email protected]

Handicrafts’ Group In December we are meeting for Christmas lunch at Cornerstone on Monday, 4th December. This has already been pre-booked. In January there will be no meeting in the Methodist Church, since New Year’s Day falls on the first Monday. But we will be meeting at the Cornerstone Coffee Shop, Savile Way, Grove on Mondays 11th and 18th December; and also on Tuesday 2nd and Mondays 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th January to craft and chat together. £1 donation to Cornerstone and pay for your choice of drink. All welcome. Contact Jenny Marriott, tel: 01235 767624 for further details.

The November / December “Christmas” quiz sheet is available from Sheila Hall (763135) at 50p. Closing date is Saturday, 16th December.

Thank you to everyone who supports or arranges various events. Proceeds of the November coffee morning for Bill and Jenny Seagren amounted to £159. Thank you from Veronica to everyone for their help and support. The total raised by our cyclists on the Historic Churches Cycle Ride Day was £504, half of which comes back to us to be distributed among chosen charities and church funds. Thank you to the cyclists and to everyone who sponsored them. If you are willing to help, either by sharing with someone or hosting a coffee morning, please get in touch with Peter (telephone: 762504). Thank you.

Flower Rota 3rd December Kirsty Bailey 7th January Lynda Culley 10th December Margaret Bett 14th January Kath Gourlay 17th December Christmas – help welcomed 21st January Lois Greenhalgh 24th December Christmas 28th January Sheila Hall 31st December Christmas

Transport to Church If you are in need of transport to get to church, then please contact Peter Hemmings on 762504, who has a list of people willing to give lifts. He will do his best to arrange transport for you.

Link to Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal Thank you to everyone who contributed filled shoeboxes, donations of money or things to go in boxes, supported coffee mornings and brought along empty boxes. A total of 616 boxes from Grove and the surrounding area are now on their way to Eastern Europe. Many thanks indeed.

Cornerstone opening over Christmas holiday period: The Cornerstone Coffee Shop will be open on Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December for business as usual. They will be closed on Monday 1st January, reopening on 2nd January.

Grove Parish Council’s “Carols around the Christmas Tree” is on Thursday 21st December at 7:00 pm on the grass by the Christmas Tree at the top of Vale Avenue, opposite the Methodist Church. Our church will be open for mince pies and coffee / tea afterwards. All are invited.

Science & Faith: Big Questions in Faringdon Com Exchange

Thursday 11th January 7.30pm "Designer babies: should we play God?" The Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield is Bishop of Swindon, with a background in Immunology and a member of the UK Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority.

Thursday 8th February 7.30pm " God or the Big Bang?' The Revd Dr Rodney Holder is a mathematician and astrophysicist, who has written and spoken extensively on cosmology and theology.

Wantage

Church Away Day @ Home – January 20th 2018. We hope that as many people as possible will be able to come along and share together as we look to the future. Come with your hopes, dreams and anxieties, your questions and your suggestions. We need to hear them all! What kind of church do we want to be? What kind of church is God calling us to be? Where do we see ourselves in three years’ time? What should our priorities be? Are we too busy? What new initiatives should we be exploring? What does it mean to be a church member in the 21st Century? To these few questions, please bring your own to add There will be parallel sessions for our children and young people, kindly run by others from our Circuit to allow those who usually work with these age groups to come along and fully participate. Lunch will be provided. Please let Keith or the stewards know if you will be coming. See you there!

WORSHIP, PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY

Covenant Service Our Covenant Service for 2018, which also includes the re-dedication of our pastoral visitors, will be on Sunday 7th January at 10:30 am. As this is the first Sunday on the month, we will be using the theme of “Worship through promises” as we begin the New Year re-committing ourselves to God, to being his people here in this place.

Tuesday Afternoon House Group For the first three weeks in November we watched DVD’s from the Bible Study Sessions led by Paul Smith at ECG this year, “Jesus in the Bloodstream”, followed by short discussion. We started our Advent Study the fourth week in November, using the York Courses Advent Study for 2017 entitled “So what are you waiting for? The details of the December/ January dates are as follows: 5th December Advent Study - So what are you waiting for? Session 2: How long O Lord how long? - Psalm 13. This meeting includes the Monthly Prayer Meeting.

12th December Advent Study - So what are you waiting for? Session 3: Be prepared! - Matthew 25:1-13 19th December Advent Study - So what are you waiting for? Session 4: Kairos and Chronos: is time running out? - Revelation 22:1-13 26th December No Meeting 2nd January No Meeting 9th January Jesus in the Bloodstream: The purpose of empowering: Romans 8:1-17 This meeting includes the Monthly Prayer Meeting. 16th January We will begin a study of the President’s Address to Conference: Acts 2:42-47 23rd January Keith will talk to us. 30th January We continue our study of the President’s Address to Conference: 1 Peter 3:8-15 As always we can assure you of a very warm welcome if you would like to join us for any of our meetings. I would be delighted to talk to you if you would like to find out more about this group. We meet at 50 Warmans Close from 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm. You can contact me (Eileen Rennie) by telephone on 01235 224284 or email: [email protected] or talk to me at Church.

Rota for Church Flowers 3rd December Julie Horton 7th January Meriel Robson 10th December Pam Leake 14th January Julie Horton 17th, 24th, 31st Dec Christmas 21st January Skidmores 28th January

Rota for Church Flowers 2018 ..... The sign-up sheet for January to June 2018 is on the wall in the corridor near the Parlour door, and will soon be followed by the one for the second part of the year. Very few dates have names by them so far! This is, therefore, a plea for anyone who is willing to be part of the ‘Flower Team’ to sign up for next year, particularly the early dates like January and February. For those who find it easier making arrangements electronically, please email your preferred dates to this address: [email protected] and I will confirm whether they are free as I update the chart on the computer weekly. We invite everyone to be part of the flower rota on a date or dates in the year which are of special significance. You can also choose where they go afterwards – either taking them to someone yourself, or nominating the person to receive them and they can be delivered on your behalf. Otherwise, just leave that column blank and the flowers will be taken to someone for whom it is pastorally appropriate. Finally, if a concern about your flower arranging skill is deterring you from signing up, please don’t let it. Flowering plants in pots are welcome alternatives to cut flowers, or you could ask someone else to arrange your flowers for you. If you have any queries about the Church flowers rota and arrangements, please let Diane or Ann know.

Prayer Loving God, in this season of Advent, Christmas and New Year, we thank you for your unfailing love for each one of us each day of our lives. As we prepare in Advent for celebrating anew your birth in Bethlehem at Christmas, help us to prioritise what is really important. Guide us to give time in our preparations for the things which really matter and help us to focus our attention towards people in real need. May we share your good news in hospitality. As we approach the New Year may we commit our lives to serve you fully, not counting the cost but giving freely of our time to share your love with all those we encounter each day. We ask that you will bless our endeavours and those lives that will be touched by your great love.

Prayer list Jean M, Pam Scholes, Bethan Grant, Lois Knighton, Jane, Alan and Eileen Bunn and family, Rex, Alex and family, Luccia, Barbara Phillips, Simon-Peter, All at Bullingdon Prison, staff, prisoners and visitors, YMOSES, kids@church and Street Pastors. Those members of our church family who, through frailty or ill health, can no longer worship with us. If you or the person/people you have put on the prayer list would still like to be in the February newsletter or you want to add anybody, please let me know by 19th January in order for me to meet the newsletter deadline. Eileen Rennie (Telephone: 01235 224284, email: [email protected])

Pastoral - praying for each other In December the following people on Mary Trotter’s and Mary Whittaker’s Pastoral Lists will be included in the prayer time at Eileen Rennie’s house-group: Diane Barton, Mary Whittaker, June Crouch, Dot Fern, Richard George, Lois Knighton and Shirley & Arnold Tucker. We will begin 2018 by praying for the people on Nicky Atkinson’s list: Linda & Alan Chipperfield, Diane & Peter Preston and Maureen Webber In addition to the names listed above, those in our church family, who through frailty or ill health can no longer worship with us on Sundays, will also be prayed for by name at Eileen’s house-group.

“Love one another and look after Mum” Beryl Fudge, ex Circuit Mission Secretary and the wife of the late Alan Fudge who served the circuit as a Local Preacher, has written a booklet titled “Love one another and look after Mum – a personal guide for dealing with the death of a loved one” with a foreword by Canon David Winter. Copies will be available in Church but if you would find it useful, you can purchase a copy for £2.99. Please contact the Stewards. 25

The Bible in a Year - Keith’s challenge to us all We started on 1st September, and are challenged to join in reading the whole of the Bible in a year. There is an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage and a Psalm / Proverbs passage for each day. December’s and January’s calendar readings are available on the website, as cards in the church vestibule and below.

The Bible in a Year - Month 4: December

Day Date Old Testament New Testament Psalms/Proverbs 92 01-Dec Numbers 33:1-34:29 Luke 9:10-27 Proverbs 8:22-31 93 02-Dec Numbers 35:1-36:13 Luke 9:28-56 Psalm 40:9-17 94 03-Dec Deuteronomy 1:1-2:23 Luke 9:57-10:24 Psalm 41:1-6 95 04-Dec Deuteronomy 2:24-4:14 Luke 10:25-11:4 Psalm 41:7-13 96 05-Dec Deuteronomy 4:15-5:33 Luke 11:5-32 Proverbs 8:32-36 97 06-Dec Deuteronomy 6:1-8:20 Luke 11:33-54 Psalm 42:1-5 98 07-Dec Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22 Luke 12:1-34 Psalm 42:6-11 99 08-Dec Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 Luke 12:35-39 Psalm 43:1-5 100 09-Dec Deuteronomy 13:1-14:29 Luke 13:1-30 Proverbs 9:1-12 101 10-Dec Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20 Luke 13:31-14:14 Psalm 44:1-12 102 11-Dec Deuteronomy 16:21-18:22 Luke 14:15-35 Psalm 44:13-26 103 12-Dec Deuteronomy 19:1-20:20 Luke 15:1-32 Psalm 45:1-9 104 13-Dec Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 Luke 16:1-18 Proverbs 9:13-18 105 14-Dec Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19 Luke 16:19-17:10 Psalm 45:10-17 106 15-Dec Deuteronomy 26:1-28:14 Luke 17:11-37 Psalm 46:1-11 107 16-Dec Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Luke 18:1-30 Psalm 47:1-9 108 17-Dec Deuteronomy 29:1-30:10 Luke 18:31-19:10 Proverbs 10:1-10 109 18-Dec Deuteronomy 30:11-31:29 Luke 19:11-44 Psalm 48:1-8 110 19-Dec Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52 Luke 19:45-20:26 Psalm 48:9-14 111 20-Dec Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12 Luke 20:27-21:4 Psalm 49:1-20 112 21-Dec Joshua 1:1-2:24 Luke 21:5-38 Proverbs 10:11-20 113 22-Dec Joshua 3:1-5:12 Luke 22:1-38 Psalm 50:1-15 114 23-Dec Joshua 5:13-7:26 Luke 22:39-62 Psalm 50:16-23 115 24-Dec Joshua 8:1-9:15 Luke 22:63-23:25 Psalm 51:1-9 116 25-Dec Joshua 9:16-10:43 Luke 23:26-56 Proverbs 10:21-30 117 26-Dec Joshua 11:1-12:24 Luke 24:1-35 Psalm 51:10-19 118 27-Dec Joshua 13:1-14:15 Luke 24:36-53 Psalm 52:1-9 119 28-Dec Joshua 15:1-16:10 John 1:1-28 Psalm 53:1-6 120 29-Dec Joshua 17:1-18:28 John 1:29-51 Proverbs 10:31-11:8 121 30-Dec Joshua 19:1-21:19 John 2:1-25 Psalm 54:1-7 122 31-Dec Joshua 21:20-22:34 John 3:1-21 Psalm 55:1-11

The Bible in a Year - Month 5: January

Day Date Old Testament New Testament Psalms/Proverbs 123 01-Jan Joshua 23:1-24:33 John 3:22-36 Psalm 55:12-23 124 02-Jan Judges 1:1-2:5 John 4:1-26 Proverbs 11:9-18 125 03-Jan Judges 2:6-3:31 John 4:27-42 Psalm 56:1-13 126 04-Jan Judges 4:1-5:31 John 4:43-5:15 Psalm 57:1-6 127 05-Jan Judges 6:1-7:8a John 5:16-30 Psalm 57:7-11 128 06-Jan Judges 7:8b-8:35 John 5:31-47 Proverbs 11:19-28 129 07-Jan Judges 9:1-57 John 6:1-24 Psalm 58:1-11 130 08-Jan Judges 10:1-11:40 John 6:25-59 Psalm 59:1-8 131 09-Jan Judges 12:1-13:25 John 6:60-7:13 Psalm 59:9-17 132 10-Jan Judges 14:1-15:20 John 7:14-44 Proverbs 11:29-12:7 133 11-Jan Judges 16:1-17:13 John 7:45-8:11 Psalm 60:1-4 134 12-Jan Judges 18:1-19:30 John 8:12-30 Psalm 60:5-12 135 13-Jan Judges 20:1-21:25 John 8:30-59 Psalm 61:1-8 136 14-Jan Ruth 1:1-2:23 John 9:1-34 Proverbs 12:8-17 137 15-Jan Ruth 3:1-4:22 John 9:35-10:21 Psalm 62:1-12 138 16-Jan 1 Samuel 1:1-2:26 John 10:22-42 Psalm 63:1-11 139 17-Jan 1 Samuel 2:27-4:22 John 11:1-44 Psalm 64:1-10 140 18-Jan 1 Samuel 5:1-7:17 John 11:45-12:11 Proverbs 12:18-27 141 19-Jan 1 Samuel 8:1-10:8 John 12:12-36 Psalm 65:1-13 142 20-Jan 1 Samuel 10:9-12:25 John 12:37-13:17 Psalm 66:1-12 143 21-Jan 1 Samuel 13:1-14:23 John 13:18-38 Psalm 66:13-20 144 22-Jan 1 Samuel 14:24-15:35 John 14:1-31 Proverbs 12:28-13:9 145 23-Jan 1 Samuel 16:1-17:37 John 15:1-16:5a Psalm 67:1-7 146 24-Jan 1 Samuel 17:38-18:30 John 16:5-17:5 Psalm 68:1-6 147 25-Jan 1 Samuel 19:1-20:42 John 17:6-26 Psalm 68:7-14 148 26-Jan 1 Samuel 21:1-23:29 John 18:1-24 Proverbs 13:10-19 149 27-Jan 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44 John 18: 25-40 Psalm 68:15-20 150 28-Jan 1 Samuel 26:1 - 28:25 John 19:1-27 Psalm 68:21-27 151 29-Jan 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13 John 19:28-20:9 Psalm 68:28-35 152 30-Jan 2 Samuel 1:1-2:7 John 20:10-31 Proverbs 13:2-14:4 153 31-Jan 2 Samuel 2:8-3:21 John 21:1-25 Psalm 69:1-12

Bible Reading Notes [IBRA] Each year the International Bible Reading Association produces notes to help people read the Bible on a regular basis. The title for 2018 is Fresh From The Word with a foreword by Rev Lucy Winkett. Please order your copy now on the form on the notice board in the Hall vestibule. The last day for doing this is Sunday December 3rd. For further information contact Peter Preston (01235 762332)

FELLOWSHIP Wednesday Fellowship December 6th We are off to the Fox for our Christmas Lunch. 13th The term ends with a service of Holy Communion taken by Rev. Keith Underhill. January 10th To begin the term the Rev. Keith Underhill will lead a service of Holy Communion. 17th This is our New Year Party, come and enjoy fun, food and fellowship. 24th Our friend, Michael Bailey, will be showing pictures of California: Death Valley, Yosemite and Pacific Coast Highway. 31st Malcolm Newton will be talking about Coronation Street star, Jean Alexander.

Lunch Dates Friday lunches in December will be on 1st and 15th. Please note that the 15th will be the Christmas lunch and by ticket only. The cost is £10. Please see me for tickets. We will start back in the New Year on Friday 5th and 19th January. Sunday lunches in December will be 10th and 31st. In January there will be only one Sunday lunch on 14th. Please remember to sign up for Sundays by the preceding Wednesday or telephone Ann on 01235 767152 or Julie on 07812 370796 to book in or cancel, to help with catering. We look forward to seeing you on the dates above. A big thank you to all who have supported the lunches over the last year and also to everyone who has helped prepare, cook and serve. Without so many volunteers this would not be possible.

YOUNG CHURCH YMOSES (Youth Meeting On Sunday EveningS!) In November we met on Remembrance Sunday and discussed the significance of this day and what it means to us individually before thinking about Jesus' words at the Last Supper - 'Do this in remembrance of me'. We took time to reflect meditatively on the passage recounting the Last Supper, imagining ourselves at the table with Jesus. We are looking forward to meeting in December for our Christmas celebrations with food and games! If you are at secondary school and would like to come along to our friendly, faith-based discussion group you would be more welcome - don't hesitate to give me a call - Jane (01235 765421) 28

Kids@Church In church we had great fun entering into the story of Moses in the bulrushes and then started a display in the hall about Moses' life. On December 17th we will be joining with the church at 10:30 am to celebrate Christmas together. Please feel free to come dressed as a character from the nativity story if you would like to do so! For more information about this informal, monthly service and activity for primary school aged pupils please feel free to give me a call - Jane (01235 765421)

Christmas Card Board We will once again have our board up in the hall for people to share Christmas cards within the church family. Please feel free to put up a card from early December and if you wish, donate the money you save to a charity of your choice. Happy Christmas to you all!

MISSION & SERVICE

Christmas Angels Knit & Chat

The Christmas Angel project has gone really well and there should be approximately 600 angels ready to fly out into Wantage later in December. The angels will have their tags attached and will then be blessed at the 10:30 am service on 17th December. They will appear in Wantage on the next dry night. We will hold the last Knit & Chat session before Christmas on Monday 4th December. As usual it will be held in the Parlour and will start at 2 pm. We are now thinking about other knitting projects with a view to continuing to meet in the New Year. If you are not a knitter but would just enjoy an opportunity to chat over a cup of tea/coffee, please come and join us. Carolyn Roche

All We Can Envelopes for All We Can (AWC) are available in the foyer so that anyone wishing to make a donation for this charity can use them. If you wish to gift aid the money you must fill in your details on the envelope, as AWC will claim the gift aid rather than Wantage Methodist Church. Any cheques can be made out either to the charity or Wantage Methodist Church. So far £362 has been sent as part of our partnership programme, which is the proceeds from the Sunday lunches in October. The Harvest money was not part of the partnership programme. David and Cath Worth and Jane Kent are taking the lead on this programme. 29

Dickensian evening You may be aware that there will not be a Christmas Tree Festival this year, I will still have the hall open for mince pies and a warm drink for you to come in out of the cold. In January I will be going on a Sponsored Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the proceeds from the Dickensian evening will go towards the sponsorship. I look forward to seeing you. Julie

Message from Little People We would like to thank the Benevolent Fund of Wantage Methodist Church, for their very kind and generous donation of £100 to the Little People Charity. This could not have come at a better time, as Christmas looms and we will have about 60 children to cater for, but have no funds at present. The Methodist Church is always very generous. Jacky and Tessa

Luccia is still walking John o’ Groats to Lands End September 1st 2017 Eileen Rennie’s granddaughter, Luccia, began her walk from John o’Groats to Land’s End. September 10th Inverness Luccia made her way through the Cairngorms to Braemar. October 9th She arrived in Gretna Green and crossed over the border to England. October 23rd She made her way through Yorkshire. November 7th She arrived in Lichfield and met up with Julie Horton the following day. November 15th Luccia arrived in our area and was able to spend a night in her own bed! November 16th Accompanied by a few of us, she set off again up to the Ridgeway and on to Avebury

So far she has walked nearly 800 miles and still has approximately 220 miles to go. As she walks she is raising money for the charity Rock2Recovery which helps the service men and women suffering from PTSD. Please keep praying for Luccia who hopes to arrive at Land’s End in the first half of December. If you wish to donate to the charity, please talk to Eileen who will be happy to give you details.

Users’ News

In the New Year, we will welcome Sweatbox on Thursday tea times, Cheek2Cheek on Friday evenings and Rock Choir on Tuesday evenings.

Wantage Chapel & Hall Bookings Please check / book your date with Gordon before you commit to your meeting. In addition to the regular users, the following bookings are in place:

NOVEMBER Saturday 25th midday Private Party Hall Sunday 26th lunch Lunch Hall Sunday 26th aft Food Bank Hamper Packing Hall / Chapel Monday 27th eve Dietitian Godfrey Room Tuesday 28th eve Worship Consultation Parlour Tuesday 28th eve Rethink Godfrey Room Wednesday 29th aft Wednesday Fellowship Hall DECEMBER Friday 1st eve Dickensian Evening Hall Sunday 3rd eve Private Party Hall Monday 4th aft Knit & Chat Parlour Tuesday 5th eve Circuit Local Preachers Chapel Wednesday 6th eve St John Vianney Choir Parlour Wednesday 6th eve French Class Chapel Wednesday 6th eve Music Group Hall Sunday 10th lunch Lunch Hall Tuesday 12th eve My Life, My Choice Parlour Tuesday 12th eve Letcombe Singers Chapel Wednesday 13th aft Wednesday Fellowship Hall Thursday 14th aft King Alfred’s WI Hall Friday 15th lunch Lunch Hall Friday 15th eve Letcombe Singers & Caritas Chapel & Hall Saturday 16th aft Private Party Hall Monday 18th eve Dietitian Godfrey Room Wednesday 20th ? Wedding ? Chapel Sunday 31st lunch Lunch Hall

Weekly Bookings December Monday eve Pilates Hall until 11th Dec Tuesday morn MIND Hall Tuesday eve Wantage Camera Club Hall until 19th Dec Friday morn Babes & Toddlers Hall until 8th Dec Friday aft Caritas Hall until 15th Dec

Weekly Bookings from January 2018 Monday eve Pilates Hall from 8th January Tuesday morn MIND Hall Tuesday eve Wantage Camera Club Hall from 9th January Tuesday eve Rock Choir Chapel from 9th January Wednesday aft Wednesday Fellowship Hall Wednesday eve Wantage Stage Musical Hall from 10th January Thursday aft Sweatbox Hall from 11th January Friday morn Babes & Toddlers Hall from 5th January Friday aft Caritas Hall from 5th January Friday eve Cheek2Cheek Hall from 12th January

Alternate Monday eve Dietitian Godfrey Room Second Tuesday My Life My Choice Parlour Last Tuesday Rethink Godfrey Room Third Thursday King Alfred’s WI Hall not January Third Saturday Dads Out Hall except January

JANUARY Friday 5th lunch Lunch Hall Sunday 14th lunch Lunch Hall Friday 19th lunch Lunch Hall Saturday 20th. day Away Day @ Home All rooms Wednesday 24th eve Music Group Chapel Saturday 27th day Holocaust Memorial Chapel

FEBRUARY Monday 5th eve Christian Aid Chapel Sunday 11th lunch Lunch Hall Wednesday 21st eve Music Group Chapel Sunday 25th lunch Lunch Hall

2018 Publication Deadlines February January 21 July/August 17th June March February 18 September 19th August April March 18 October 16th September May April 22 November 21st October June May 20 Dec/Jan 18th November

DIARY

DECEMBER Friday 1st 12:15 pm Friday Lunch at Wantage p28 Dickensian Evening in Wantage p30 Saturday 2nd 10:30 am NCH Coffee morning and sale at Childrey p19 10 am – noon Coffee morning at Grove p20 Tuesday 5th 7:30 pm Circuit Local Preachers’ Meeting at Wantage Wednesday 6th 7:00 pm Wantage Mayor’s Carols in Wantage Parish Church Thursday 7th 7:30 pm Chaplaincy Everywhere at Didcot Sunday 10th 12:30 pm Sunday Lunch at Wantage p28

Friday 15th 12:15 pm Friday Lunch at Wantage p28 Thursday 21st 7.00pm Grove Parish Council “Carols around the Christmas Tree” p22 Sunday 31st 12:30 pm Sunday Lunch at Wantage p28 JANUARY Friday 5th 12:15 pm Friday Lunch at Wantage p28 Saturday 6th 10 am – noon Coffee morning at Grove p20 Sunday 7th 11:30 am Covenant Service at Wantage Sunday 14th 11:30 am Covenant Service at Grove 12:30 pm Sunday Lunch at Wantage p28 Friday 19th 12:15 pm Friday Lunch at Wantage p28 Friday 19th 7:30 pm Grove Film Club “Beauty and the Beast” 2017 PG p20 Saturday 20th. 10 am – 3 pm Wantage “Church Away Day @ Home” p23

Sunday 21st 11:30 am Covenant Service at Childrey Deadline for February Newsletter p2 Saturday 27th 10 am – 6 pm Holocaust Memorial Day p4

Sunday Services – December 2017

Childrey Grove Wantage rd 3 December 10:30 am Helen Carter Advent Sunday 10:45 am Andrew Dixon Worship through waiting 11:00 am Rev John Rowland 6:30 pm Rev Keith Underhill 10th December 9:00 am Holy Communion: Advent 2 10:45 am Holy Communion: Rev Keith Underhill

Rev Keith Underhill 10:30 am Peter Hemmings 4:00pm Christingle Service at St Mary’s 6:30 pm Rev Alan Grist th 17 December 10:30 am All Age Worship Advent 3 10:45 am Elizabeth Wood Rev Keith Underhill 3:00 pm United Carol

Service at St Mary’s 6:00 pm Carol Service 6:30 pm Carol Service Rev Keith Underhill th 24 December 10:30 am Stephen Atkinson Advent 4 10:45 am Andrew Lockley 11:00 am Holy Communion: Rev Keith Underhill 8: 0 0 pm Holy Communion: Rev Keith Underhill 11:30 pm Holy Communion: Rev Keith Underhill st 31 December 10:30 am Ruth Dams Sunday after 10:45 am Rev Keith Underhill

Christmas 11:00 am Peter Hemmings

Community Carols 6th December at 7:00 pm Wantage Mayor’s Carols in Wantage Parish Church 21st December at 7:00 pm Grove Parish Council “Carols around the Christmas Tree”

Christmas Services 10th December at 4:00 pm Christingle Service at St Mary’s Childrey 17th December at 10:30 am All Age Worship with kids@church at Wantage 17th December at 3:00 pm Carol Service at St Mary’s Childrey 17th December at 6:00 pm Carol Service at Wantage 17th December at 6:30 pm Carol Service at Grove 24th December at 8:00 pm Christmas Eve Communion at Grove 24th December at 11:30 pm Christmas Eve Communion at Wantage

Christmas Day 9:30 am Family Worship for Christmas Day at Wantage 10:45 am Family Worship for Christmas Day at Grove

Covenant Services January 7th 10:30 am at Wantage January 14th 10:45 am at Grove January 21st 11:30 am at Childrey – United Service with St Mary’s

Sunday Services – January 2018

Childrey Grove Wantage th 7 January 10:30 am Covenant Service Ordinary 1 10:45 am Frederick Obeng Rev Keith Underhill Covenant 11:00 am Andrew Lockley Worship through Promises 4:00 pm Rev Keith Underhill Film Plus

9:00 am Holy Communion: 10:45 am Covenant Service Rev Keith Underhill 11:00 am Marlene Chalkley Rev Keith Underhill 10:30 am Ruth Coward 6:30 pm Rev Keith Underhill

21st January 9:30 am kids@church Ordinary 3 11:30 am Rev Keith Underhill 10:45 am Ruth Dams 10:30 am Libby Bolton Christian Unity United Covenant Service

WGCP United Service tbc WGCP United Service tbc th 28 January 10:30 am Andrew Dixon Ordinary 4 10:45 am Barbara Kershaw Homelessness 11:30 am United Service at St Mary’s 6:30 pm Andrew Dixon